Best Stretch Wrap - A Guide to Buying Stretch Wrap Film

Best Stretch Wrap – A Guide to Buying Stretch Wrap Film

By AAA Polymer | Stretch Wrap

Jul 30

What’s the best stretch wrap for your facility? Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast, one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to choosing the best stretch wrap. Instead, it’s critical you choose the stretch wrap best suited for your facility and for the types of loads you’ll be looking to secure. 

Fortunately, the stretch wrap film experts at AAA Polymer are here to offer assistance and match your needs to the best solution. Continue reading for a simple guide to buying the best stretch wrap film for your specific facility. 

Blown Stretch Film vs Cast Stretch Film  

In general, there are two main types of film that are differentiated by the process of manufacturing: blown stretch film and cast stretch film

Properties of Cast Stretch Film

Stretch film manufactured through the cast extrusion process boasts: 

  • Excellent transparency
  • Remarkable barrier for aromas, moisture and gases
  • Uniform thickness throughout
  • No limits on the thickness of the film
  • A very quiet unwind

Properties of Blown Stretch Film 

On the other hand, blown film extrusion process of manufacturing lends blown wrap a desirable set of features, including:

  • Durable and provides maximum toughness
  • Superior puncture resistance
  • Produces less manufacturing scrap
  • Has a high level of cling

Deciding between Blown vs Cast Stretch Film

When choosing between blown stretch wrap and cast stretch wrap, it’s critical to think about how the material will be used. For example, if you’re looking for a stretch wrap that will most effectively secure loads, blown stretch wrap has a higher degree of memory and ability to retract. On the other hand, if you’re using RFID tags and barcode scanners on your packages, cast stretch wrap will be your better solution because of its clarity. 

Pre-Stretch Film

As the median film between cast film and blown film, pre-stretch film is an extruded type of blown film. Pre-stretched film has been stretched extremely close to its breaking point prior to being placed on rolls for use, which makes very easy to apply. 

Because pre-stretched film is already extended to the optimized yield, you don’t have to worry about your employees not using the right amount of stretch wrap to achieve optimal stretch tension. This attribute of pre-stretch film will help save your business money and reduce your film usage. A few key benefits of using pre-stretch film include:

  • Enhanced productivity by requiring fewer film wraps
  • Improved load retention offers better load stability.
  • Remarkable tear resistance for loads with sharper edges or jagged corners
  • Excellent performance in extremely frigid temperatures
  • Ability to stabilize protruding and misshapen loads

Machine Stretch Film 

Machine stretch film is offered as either blown or cast variety. As the name suggests, machine stretch film is engineered to be applied via a machine. When compared to hand stretch film, machine stretch film offers multiple advantages, such as: 

  • More efficient packaging
  • Safer stretch film application
  • Faster stretch film application
  • Lowered costs associated with packaging
  •  Creation of more secure loads

Hand Stretch Film

Hand stretch film is a type of material designed to be manually applied to loads or pallets. Hand stretch film is traditionally used in operations with lower packaging capacity. Even if you’re using hand stretch film, choosing the best applicator can help you drive more efficient packaging operations

Specialty Stretch Wrap

In addition to the previously mentioned types of stretch wrap films, you can choose from a range of different custom films. Colored stretch films are offered in orange, red, green, yellow, and blue. These films are transparent, so you’ll be able to see the contents underneath after several revolutions. 

AAA Polymer offers colored stretch wrap in. You can also choose custom UV stabilized stretch films that are ideal for loads stored outside. These stretch wraps include an extra UV blocker to reduce the transmission of the sun’s UV rays. These films feature good dimensional stability and high mechanical strength over a range of temperatures. 

https://www.aaapolymer.com/different-types-of-stretch-film/ 

Gauging the Best Stretch Wrap Thickness

Now we’ve covered the general different types of stretch wrap, the next step in buying stretch wrap film is to choose the right stretch wrap thickness or gauge. The gauge of the stretch wrap will inform you on the amount of weight or force the film can withstand before failing. In general, the higher the gauge of stretch wrap, the higher loads it can handle — but this isn’t always the case. Some of the most common stretch wrap gauges are:

  • 37 gauge stretch wrap is actually 80-gauge stretch film that has been pre-stretched and can manage uniform loads up to 800 pounds. 
  • 47 gauge stretch wrap is a hybrid stretch wrap that boasts the retention power and strength of a higher gauge film. It harnesses the power of a 60 gauge wrap and is suitable for loads up to 1,800 lbs.
  • 60 gauge stretch wrap is a true-gauged film, which means it will measure exactly 60 microns. Similar to 47 gauge film, this stretch wrap is suited for uniform loads up to 1,800 lbs.
  • 63 gauge stretch wrap is only three microns thicker than the 60-gauge variety. Even so, the 63 gauge film offers superior tear and puncture resistance with the ability to accommodate up to 2,200 lbs.
  • 70 to 80 gauge stretch wrap is widely considered to be the industry standard and is ideal for loads of 2,200 to 2,400 lbs.
  • 90 gauge stretch wrap is the starting point for heavy-gauge film. This heavy-duty wrap offers stronger resistance to tears, punctures, etc. and is rated for loads up to 2,600 lbs.
  • 100 and 115-gauge stretch wrap films are most ideal when shipping loads of 3,000 lbs. or more.
  • 150 gauge stretch wrap is the thickest available and works perfectly for sharp or irregularly shaped items. This gauge is also most suitable for securing taller loads.

Contact AAA Polymer for the Best Stretch Wrap 

Stretch wrap film comes in an array of types and thicknesses. Choosing the best stretch wrap  in the right thickness is critical to limiting the potential for damage and loss during shipping as well as minimizing shipping costs. The experts at AAA Polymer are your stretch film experts. We’ll listen closely to your unique needs and guide you to the best solution. 

Contact AAA Polymer today for the best stretch wrap films. 

About the Author

AAA Polymer, Inc. was founded in 1974, as a plastic resin and material trading company with an innovative vision to create a company to provide plastic recycling services for industrial/commercial businesses. If you have any questions, we're here for you. Just call us at 718.389.2498.

Accessibility Toolbar